Drivers across Scotland are being hit with millions in fines for entering city centres, as the country’s Low Emission Zones (LEZs) continue to divide opinion. Since the zones were introduced, more than 169,000 fines have been issued, totalling over £19 million.
The aim of LEZs is to improve air quality by keeping older, higher-polluting vehicles out of city centres. Glasgow’s LEZ has been in place for two years, while Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee launched their zones in mid-2024.
But new figures suggest these schemes may not be going to plan.
The idea was simple. Over time, the number of fines would drop as people either switched to public transport or upgraded to newer, cleaner vehicles. And that did happen at first.
But over the past five months, the opposite trend has started to appear. Fines are going up again. In January 2025, just over 7,000 fines were issued across all four cities. By May, that number had climbed to nearly 9,000.
Some drivers have been hit with maximum fines of £960 for entering the zones repeatedly in a short period. Nearly 7,000 of these high-level fines have been issued already.
Critics argue this proves LEZs aren’t working as intended. Instead of encouraging change, they’re financially punishing people who can’t afford a newer vehicle and who rely on their car to get to work.
Are LEZs making a difference?
According to Glasgow City Council, yes. They say nitrogen dioxide levels in parts of the city centre have dropped by around 20 percent since the LEZ began. However, air pollution is still high in the busiest areas.
The council also reported that the scheme brought in a surplus of £750,000 last year, which it plans to use for green initiatives like tree planting and turning bus-stop roofs into spaces for bees.
In Edinburgh, the number of fines per month has also risen this year, from around 2,600 in January to 3,400 in May. The council partly blames tourists who are unaware of the rules, but insists the scheme is delivering long-term benefits.
Where are drivers hit hardest?
Glasgow has issued the most fines overall, with over 72,000 tickets worth a total of £7.1 million. Edinburgh is currently issuing the highest average number of fines each month at just under 4,000. Aberdeen drivers are receiving the highest average monthly fine total at around £417,000.
Dundee is the least affected, issuing just over 1,200 fines per month on average.
What are people saying?
Not everyone is convinced the zones are doing what they were meant to. Critics say the rules are out of touch with how people actually live and travel. Many don’t have the option to switch to public transport, and most can’t afford a brand-new car just to meet LEZ standards.
Opposition politicians have warned that if the zones don’t make a clear impact on air quality, they risk becoming nothing more than an extra tax on drivers.
Scottish Conservative transport spokesperson Sue Webber says, "These figures prove what motorists already know – they’re being milked for cash because the SNP have gutted council funding."
"You’d think low emission zones were about cleaner air – but in reality, they’re trapping drivers who have no other option."
She continued, "Most Scots can’t just shell out for a new car to meet these rules. The nationalists are completely out of touch. If SNP ministers are serious about getting Scots out of their cars, they should show some common sense for a change and deliver reliable and affordable public transport, instead of punishing motorists."
Transport Scotland says the picture is more positive. While recent months have seen a rise in fines, overall numbers are still down compared to when the zones first launched. They also point to data from Glasgow showing a clear drop in pollution.
So, what’s the verdict?
The LEZs are bringing in big money and some signs of better air quality. But for thousands of drivers — especially younger ones who rely on their cars and can’t afford a new one — the system feels more like a punishment than a solution.
